The Sentinel-5 mission is part of the European Earth Observation Programme "Copernicus" which is a coordinated and managed by the European Commission (EC). The space component of the Copernicus observation infrastructure is developed under the aegis of the European Space Agency (ESA).
The Copernicus Space Component comprises a series of space-borne missions called 'Sentinels' that are developed and procured by the European Space Agency. The missions Sentinel-4, -5 and -5 precursor (S4, S5, S5P, respectively) are conceived as complementary elements of a constellation serving the specific needs of the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Services (CAMS). These services will provide coherent information on atmospheric variables in support of European policies and for the benefit of European citizens and will cover ozone and surface UV, air quality, and climate applications. Sentinel-5 is focused on air quality and composition-climate interaction with the main data products being O3, NO2, SO2, HCHO, CHOCHO and aerosols. Additionally Sentinel-5 will also deliver quality parameters for CO, CH4, and stratospheric O3 with daily global coverage for climate, air quality, and ozone/surface UV applications.
The Sentinel-5 mission consists of high resolution spectrometer system operating in the ultraviolet to shortwave infrared range with 7 different spectral bands: UV-1 (270-300nm), UV-2 (300-370nm), VIS (370-500nm), NIR-1 (685-710nm), NIR-2 (745-773nm), SWIR-1 (1590-1675nm) and SWIR-3 (2305-2385nm). The instrument will be carried on the MetOp-SG A satellite.
The Sentinel-5 Mission Handbook provides a high-level description of the mission objectives, satellite and ground segment. It also provides an introduction to heritage missions, thematic areas and services, orbit characteristics and coverage, instrument payloads, and data products.
The Mission Handbook contains:
Overview
A brief description of the heritage missions and the main thematic areas and services (e.g. air quality, climate, ozone).
Mission Objectives
The main objectives of the Sentinel-5 mission.
Satellite Description
A description of the satellite platform and communication links, orbit characteristics, and geographical coverage.
Ground Segment architecture
The Sentinel-5 instrument is managed via the EPS-SG ground segment which acts as a Copernicus 'contributing missions' ground segments.
Instrumental Payload
A description of the Sentinel-5 mission instrumentation.
Data Products
Definitions of all data products available for the UVNS instrument.